Trentham Tips & Preview | Saturday 21 March

Kereti (#1) resumes here, last seen finishing 7th at this course and distance back in December. His recent trial suggested he has returned in good order, hitting the line strongly under a hold late. He typically performs well in a fresh state and looks to have found a winnable race for his return. Despite not winning since January 2025, he looks capable of breaking the drought here.

Kawatiri (#10) produced a huge run for 5th here last start at this course and distance, where she was shuffled back from a handy position to last turning for home before finishing off strongly again late. She looks well suited at the weights again under Jim Chung and should secure a soft run on the fence throughout. If she replicates that last start effort, she looks a solid each-way chance at the price.

What You Wish For (#1) has returned to form with a dominant Taupo Cup victory two starts back followed by a strong 2nd in the Fulton Family Stakes at Listed level last start. He has been freshened since and remains at the mile here. From the wide draw he may settle towards the rear, but in a small field he shouldn’t be giving away too much of a start. Craig Grylls taking the ride is a positive and he shapes as a leading contender.

Super Legocy (#2) was good in defeat at Matamata last start, leading and only being run down late. He maps to roll forward again from the wide draw under Michael McNab and should get a good cart across early. The firmer footing will suit and a genuinely run 1400m poses no issue. He looks capable of going one better.

Flamenco (#7) has been racing consistently since joining the Mark Brooks stable, culminating in a strong 2nd at Pukekohe last start. Masa Hashizume takes the ride from a middle draw and she looks likely to track a key runner in Esperanza throughout. This doesn’t appear the strongest R65 field and she looks well placed to be very competitive again.

Waimea Bay (#7) comes into this off a short freshen following a disappointing effort in the Waikato Guineas. Her prior run for 2nd in the Desert Gold Stakes at this track and trip is a much better guide, where she performed very well behind stablemate Fairy Dream. From the low draw she should enjoy a more economical run under Masa Hashizume and can bounce back sharply if she finds something closer to her best form.

Wolfgang (#2) didn’t fire first-up at New Plymouth, where he settled back and only battled home in a small field. He should strip fitter for that outing and looks suited stepping up to 2500m second-up. From the middle draw he can settle closer to the speed in a race lacking early tempo, which should see him afforded every chance. Winner of this race last year and he is capable of going back-to-back if he can recapture his “A-game”.

Platinum Attack (#2) comes here off a strong 3rd in the dramatic edition of the King’s Plate at Ellerslie. He looks ideally suited returning left-handed and remaining at 1200m on a fast surface is just what he’s after. He should settle midfield with cover from the middle draw and be saved for one run at them late. Having finished 2nd in this race last year, he looks primed to go one better.

Belles Fate (#7) didn’t have much luck at New Plymouth last start, working wide without cover and failing to finish off. She is capable of much better and looks to get the right setup here. From a more favourable draw under Joe Doyle she should land on the back of Jungle Jane and receive a much kinder run in transit. From there, she should get every opportunity to return to form.